PENDLE Council could pay for work to improve a derelict mill in Colne.

Council bosses have secured an order that requires the owners of Oak Mill to carry out various work to the land.

The mill was demolished by the owners, based in the Isle of Man, in December last year, but debris from that demolition remains on the site and the council also wants it levelled.

Richard Townson, from Pendle Council, said: A letter has been sent by the planning and building control manager to the owners of the land requiring them to carry out all works necessary to remove the demolition material from the site and to secure it satisfactorily.

“A period of seven days was allowed for the receipt of a plan from the owners, showing how they would carry out this work.

“No reply has been received to this letter. The land has therefore now been inspected and a Section 215 Notice has been served on the landowner, requiring them to carry out the work within 28 days of the service of the notice.”

If that work is not carried out the council will consider paying for it and look to recover costs from the landowners.